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What is the difference between temporary staffing and secondment? Sandra explains
What is the difference between temporary staffing and secondment? Are they not just two terms for the same idea? No. They do have common ground, but they also differ on points that truly matter to people. This is also true for Sandra van der Pluym, who has been seconded as an executive secretary/management assistant for 8 years. In this blog, she explains why she chooses this.
Taking the plunge
“Eight years ago, I decided to take the plunge and apply to Public Support. My private life allowed me to choose secondment instead of having a ‘regular job’: diving into a new world through ever-changing assignments. A new world, in a different place, with different colleagues.”
An exciting step, of course, because it really is quite different from sitting in the same place every day. Sandra: “Of course, I practice my profession every time, namely that of executive/management assistant. From that role, I plan and organize; I put together the puzzle that enables management or the board to do what they need to do. But the client or the department is completely different every few months or sometimes years. So the colleagues I have and the environment where I work are also different.”
Adventurous with security
However, Sandra does all of this while employed by Public Support, meaning she is seconded. “Despite the constantly changing assignments and everything that entails, I still have the security, pension accrual, a lease car, and other benefits of a permanent job. Additionally, I have a regional director as a sounding board who is always there for me, and I can take many training courses and educational programs.”
That is where the difference with temporary staffing lies. Sandra: “Just like with secondment, as a temporary worker, you always have a different assignment. However, as a temporary worker, you have much more uncertainty, and if you don’t have an assignment, you have no income and therefore go on unemployment benefits. As a seconded employee, I am simply employed, so I am paid and accrue a pension, even if there is no assignment for a while.”
Secondment colleagues
Another difference is that Sandra has many fellow seconded colleagues with whom she can consult. “If I am unfamiliar with a certain tool or lack a piece of knowledge, I can turn to nearly 250 other seconded management assistants through Public Support. We see each other at meetings, which is both pleasant and educational. That is also something you don’t have as a temporary worker.”
A new world every time
And so Sandra worked with the security of secondment in ever-changing worlds. An insurer and an investor passed by, an energy company, and recently a forensic psychiatric clinic. “Regularly changing assignments or clients suits me. I enjoy that variety.”
When Sandra hears that support is needed somewhere and she is available, she quickly says yes. “I think that’s because I am flexible, loyal, and curious. That’s why I often think: well, why not? It would have to be very far removed from me for me not to take that step. But I’ve actually never experienced that. That’s what makes secondment so much fun.”
Want to work at Public Support just like Sandra?
Public Support considers a healthy work-life balance important. For example, we keep your travel time as short as possible and pay attention to what you need to feel good. Curious about what we can do for you and your career? Find our secretarial vacancies here!
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